CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – It’s a tradition that has been going on for nearly four decades in Charlottesville and this Friday it returns for the 37th Season on Charlottesville’s Historic Downtown Mall.  The gates open at 5:30p.m.  and admission is free, and the purchase of concessions goes toward local nonprofits.  This Friday the annual festivities kick off with headliners Isaac Hadden who specializes in Improvisational Funk Rock and Elby Brass, a street Brass Band.  The opening act at 5:30 p.m. are artists Jay Pun and Maweena Lasko.  In addition to the opening of Fridays it is also the weekend of the 13th annual Tom Tom Festival and there will be multiple combined events on the Downtown Mall on Friday, April 18th.  The stations of the Charlottesville Media Group will be on site to do stage announcements and interact with the community.

Here is more information of the headliners from the Ting Pavilion:

Isaac Hadden – Improvisational Funk Rock
Elby Brass – Street Brass Band 

Isaac Hadden is a young, genre-smashing guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader from Southwest, VA, currently based in Asheville, NC. His cutting-edge playing style and animated stage presence, combined with his passion and talent, have helped him build a supportive fanbase in the United States and abroad. His primary touring unit (billed simply as Isaac Hadden), is a heavy-hitting funk-rock quartet quickly gaining notoriety on the music festival circuit and the east-coast jam-band scene for high-energy performances and tight, dynamic improvisation. Additionally, he can be seen performing with the Isaac Hadden Organ Trio, which features Grammy-nominated LA drummer Iajhi Hampden and Grammy-nominated NC-Based Organ/Keyboardist Bill Stevens. The unconventional organ trio carves out a unique sound in the world of funk, jazz, rock, and R&B.

In addition to his projects, Isaac’s work ethic and versatility make him a frequent call among musicians and festivals across the country who seek the unique brand of sensitive yet virtuosic guitar playing that Hadden brings to every stage. From a young age, Isaac has had the privilege of joining some of the hottest acts on the national circuit, including Keller Williams, Leftover Salmon, Ron Holloway, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Roosevelt Collier, Jeff Sipe Trio, Big Something, Kanika Moore, Dogs in a Pile, Big Daddy Love, Larry Keel Experience, Susto, Melissa Reaves, Neighbor, Kendall Street Company, and numerous others. Voted 2022’s Best of the Blue Ridge in the Artists/Musicians category, Isaac’s musicianship, dedication, and high-energy performances routinely bend brainwaves and keep listeners coming back for more.

Elby Brass is Virginia’s best street brass band—specializing in hard-hitting funk, sizzling soul, and shout-along favorites. Homegrown in Fredericksburg and performing continuously since 2009, their shows are a wild ride of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, sousaphones, and drums. Don’t expect anything but raw horn jams and definitely don’t expect to stand still. Killer in the club and fantastic at festivals—when you need the party to start right now, you need Elby Brass.